Trump Urges Quick Advancement to Phase Two of Gaza Peace Plan

Wed Dec 31 2025 03:18:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Donald Trump emphasized the urgency of Hamas disarming to progress in the Gaza peace initiative, warning of serious consequences if they fail to comply.

While meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, President Donald Trump expressed hopes for a rapid transition to phase two of the Gaza peace plan. Trump reiterated the necessity for Hamas to disarm, threatening dire repercussions if they do not comply promptly. He underscored Israel's commitment to the peace plan, despite Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza. The peace initiative, which commenced in October, outlines the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza, while also addressing potential conflicts with Iran.

Donald Trump said he hoped to reach phase two of the Gaza peace plan very quickly, as he warned Hamas would have hell to pay if it did not disarm soon.

The US president, whose 20-point peace plan requires the militant group to disarm, made the comments as he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida for talks on Monday.

During a press conference with Netanyahu after their meeting, Trump said Israel had lived up to the plan 100%, despite continuing attacks by its military in Gaza.

The US president also mentioned that his country could support another major strike on Iran if it were to resume rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs.

In response to Trump's threats, Iran's supreme leader's top political adviser, Ali Shamkhani, stated on X that any aggression towards Iran would be met with an immediate harsh response.

When asked how quickly Hamas and Israel should move to phase two of the peace plan, Trump stated: As quickly as we can. But there has to be disarmament.

Speaking about Hamas, he asserted: If they don't disarm as they agreed to do, then there will be hell to pay for them.

Trump also mentioned that reconstruction in Gaza could begin pretty soon.

The Gaza peace plan came into effect in October with a second phase expected to establish a technocratic government in the devastated territory, require Hamas to disarm, and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli troops followed by the reconstruction of Gaza.

However, critics have indicated that Netanyahu might aim to delay the process by insisting on Hamas disarmament prior to Israeli troop withdrawal.

Meanwhile, Hamas officials have maintained that full disarmament should coincide with advancements towards an independent Palestinian state.

Trump said he was not concerned about anything that Israel's doing, but focused on the actions of others.

Since the ceasefire took effect, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli military claims its gunfire is a response to ceasefire violations.

Trump also warned that further US attacks on Iran would occur if there was evidence of ongoing development of nuclear weapon sites.

Netanyahu also emphasized Israel's desire to maintain a peaceful border with Syria, and Trump expressed hopes for improved relations with the new Syrian leadership.